The world’s first professional qualification course for eye bankers, the custodians of human tissue for eye transplant surgery, kicks off at Melbourne University in September.
Associate Professor Graeme Pollock from the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) and the Lions Eye Donation Service, is leading the academic and teaching team. Over the past 20 years, the practice of eye donation and eye banking has emerged as a profession in its own right, he says. “We hope to develop the future leaders of eye banking; professionals providing a clinical service to the ophthalmic community.”
Louise Moffatt, who manages the New Zealand National Eye Bank, says she's excited on behalf of the sector that this qualification is finally a reality due to the “incredible efforts” and vision of A/Profs Pollock and Heather Machin, project officer of the Lions Eye Donation Service. “The Eye Banking graduate certificate course offered at Melbourne University is a breakthrough for professional development for staff working in the sector.”
Although Eye Banks provide internal training and education programmes, having access to an internationally-recognised university qualification will help eye banking be considered more as a profession rather than simply a set of technical processes, says Moffatt. The NZ National Eye Bank will sponsor one staff member each year to undertake the course.
A/Prof Pollock says the course is ideal for those new to eye banking and those working in relevant sectors wishing to improve their knowledge and skills. “Graduates will transition beyond the fundamentals of eye banking and emerge as knowledgeable professionals and eye tissue custodians. They will develop skills that can be applied to all stages of eye tissue management including donor selection and recovery, recipient donor management, tissue examination and legal and regulatory requirements.”
